What is the best 3 Day itinerary for Shanghai?
If you are considering a trip to China, but feel a bit overwhelmed by the idea…
Shanghai might just be the perfect introduction!
Shanghai is a vibrant city that combines the best of modern innovation with rich cultural traditions. Whether you are planning a short city break or adding Shanghai to a larger Asian journey, three days here offer the perfect snapshot of this extraordinary city. In this guide, we share a practical, experience-based 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Shanghai
Your first full day in Shanghai is best spent soaking in the dynamic pulse of the city. We spent our first full day in Shanghai mostly on foot. Trust us: if you plan your route smartly, it is perfectly doable and a lot of fun. Tip: keep distances manageable and stay relaxed. The only times we used transport were a short ferry ride and the metro back to the hotel.
Start at People’s Park, a relaxing green space in the middle of the bustling city. Besides offering a peaceful setting, it is famous for the “marriage market” on weekends where parents gather to find partners for their children. Entrance is free. Furthermore you will be welcomed by the impressive Grand Theatre and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
At the eastern end of the park, head to Nanjing Road, the city’s premier pedestrian shopping street. It is a few kilometers long but you can easily explore the best parts in a relaxed two-hour stroll. You will pass endless boutiques, department stores, and street performers.
Follow Nanjing Road until you reach The Bund, one of Shanghai’s most iconic sights. Stroll along the Huangpu River and admire the impressive skyline of Lujiazui across the water. Here you will also find the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a tall, striking structure honoring those who lost their lives in revolutionary struggles. Entrance to The Bund and the monument is free, and it is open 24/7.
From the southern end of The Bund, hop on the public ferry (only about 2 RMB) to cross the river to Lujiazui, Shanghai’s futuristic financial district. It is mind-blowing to realize that thirty years ago, only the Oriental Pearl Tower stood here. Shanghai’s rapid development is simply staggering.
In Lujiazui, it is impossible to miss the towering skyscrapers. Beyond the famous Shanghai Tower (entrance to the observation deck around 180 RMB), you can admire:
- Jin Mao Tower: with its stunning pagoda-inspired design.
- Shanghai World Financial Center: known as the “bottle opener” for its distinctive shape.
- Oriental Pearl Tower: an icon of the city skyline, offering a futuristic experience and observation decks (entry around 160 RMB).
The “highlight” of our day? Without a doubt, visiting the Shanghai Tower. Standing at 632 meters, it offers the highest observation deck in the world at 562 meters. Watching the city transform from daylight into twinkling night lights, even through a slight haze, was pure magic.
Day 2: Temples, museums, and the glow of The Bund
Day two begins with a visit to Jing’an Temple, an oasis of tranquility surrounded by skyscrapers. Dating back to 247 BC, this temple was rebuilt multiple times and shines today with a striking golden rooftop. Entry is about 50 RMB.
After your temple visit, allow yourself to wander freely. Shanghai rewards curiosity! You may stumble upon a traditional market, a serene park, or even, like us, a beggar with a laminated Alipay QR code around his neck. It is quirky, it is digital, this is Shanghai.
Plan ahead to visit the Shanghai Museum at People’s Square in the afternoon. Housed in a beautifully designed building, it contains some of China’s most important collections of ancient art, ceramics, bronzes, and calligraphy. Entrance is free but booking online in advance is mandatory to secure your spot, especially during weekends and holidays.
In the evening, return to The Bund for the ultimate Shanghai experience: the dazzling skyline illuminated against the night sky. Be prepared for crowds, especially around 7-9 PM, but the energy of the place is infectious. Grab a coffee, a drink or a snack from one of the nearby vendors and simply enjoy the view. It is a lively and festive atmosphere. One thing we have learned: where there are lights in Asia, there are crowds! And honestly, it just adds to the charm.
Best 3 Day itinerary for Shanghai
Visit the people's monument on the Bund
Day 3: Old Shanghai charm and relaxed explorations
On your third day, step back in time…
Start your morning at the enchanting Yu Garden (entrance about 40 RMB). Built in 1559, this garden was designed as a peaceful retreat for an official’s aging parents. Wander through pavilions, koi ponds, rockeries, and ancient trees, all carefully curated to offer serenity amid the city’s buzz.
Outside the garden gates lies the Old City, where traditional teahouses, street food vendors, and souvenir shops crowd narrow alleyways. It is touristy but still full of charm.
Next, hop over to Fuxing Park in the former French Concession. Designed by the French in 1909, this European-style park is a local favorite. Mornings here are lively with tai chi groups, elderly card players, and ballroom dancers twirling under the trees.
Afterwards, lose yourself in the artistic labyrinth of Tianzifang. Once a residential area with traditional Shikumen houses, it is now a vibrant maze of art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops. It is the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs or enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Finally, spend your late afternoon and evening wandering through the French Concession. With its leafy avenues, colonial architecture, and chic cafes, this area feels worlds away from Lujiazui’s futuristic skyline.
Practical tips for your 3 Day Shanghai adventure
- Public Transport: Metro tickets cost about 3-6 RMB per ride depending on distance. Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for convenience.
- Payment: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip. Even small purchases like bottled water or street food are handled via mobile payment.
- VPN: Download and activate a VPN before arriving to access apps like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram.
- Language: Basic English is spoken in hotels and tourist spots, but a translation app is very helpful elsewhere.
- Cultural Etiquette: Carry tissues (public restrooms often lack paper), and expect crowds at popular attractions.
- Weather: Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking tours and outdoor activities.
And if you are looking for more tips, check out our extensive blog with all Shanghai travel tips!
Budget Breakdown
To help you plan better, here’s a rough idea of common costs:
- Metro ride: 3-6 RMB
- Ferry across the Huangpu River: 2 RMB
- Entry to Shanghai Tower: 180 RMB
- Jing’an Temple: 50 RMB
- Yu Garden: 40 RMB
- Street food lunch: 20-40 RMB
- Coffee in a cafe: 20-30 RMB
(1 EUR ≈ 7.5 RMB, 1 USD ≈ 7.2 RMB) (rates April 2025)
Look here for actual conversion rates!
Three days in Shanghai gave us a deep appreciation for this extraordinary city. Shanghai is a city of fascinating contrasts: soaring skyscrapers and ancient temples, neon-lit nights and peaceful gardens, cutting-edge innovation and traditional tea houses. Three days are just enough to fall under its spell and leave you wanting more.
Whether you are curious about China but hesitant to dive straight into the deep end, or whether you are a seasoned traveler looking for your next adventure, Shanghai is a thrilling, safe, and incredibly rewarding destination.
Have tips or experiences to share? Drop us a message or find us on Instagram for more pictures of Shanghai, we would love to hear from you!
See you in Shanghai?!
The Booming Journey | 27 April 2025 | ©all rights reserved